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On Change In Overtime Rule, Red Wings' Schedule And Avila
I like it that the NFL is changing its overtime rule for the playoffs, so the odds aren't overwhelmingly in favor of the team winning a coin flip.
If one team only kicks a field goal after the first possession, the other team will now get the ball. They are considering, and should also implement, this rule change for the regular season.
That's because there have been two dramatic changes in football, both involving the kicking game.
One is that field goal kickers are much more accurate - and from longer range - than they were decades ago. Another is the kickoff rule. The ball is kicked off from the 30-yard line now, allowing for returns, and better field position for the offensive team.
The first two decades of the overtime rule in the NFL, it was a 50-50 proposition on which team would win.
Now it's slanted dramatically to the team winning the flip. It will also add interest in overtime. Teams will play for touchdowns now, rather than field goals. And by the way, I like the college rule better. Now that would be exciting in the NFL. At least this is a step in the right direction.
Random Thoughts
- The schedule is finally on the Red Wings' side, and they must take advantage of it. Six of their last 10 games are home. Six of those games are against teams already essentially out of the playoff hunt - five of those at home. They have home games remaining against St. Louis, Minnesota, Columbus twice and Edmonton. One of their remaining road games is at Columbus. The Red Wings play the struggling Blue Jackets three of their final 10 games overall.
If the Red Wings don't make the playoffs, the schedule certainly can't be used as an excuse at this point. But I think they will get in - and maybe secure as high as a No.6 seed.
- Because Gerald Laird is obviously going to do the bulk of catching this season, the Tigers would be wise to send Alex Avila to Toledo to begin the season. The bigger issue isn't who will start the season as the Tigers' regular catcher, but who will end it. If I were a betting man, I'd say that will be Avila. He has a potential to be a solid receiver - and an excellent, power-hitting left-handed stroke.
My thoughts on Jimmy Howard's facewash of Sidney Crosby in Caputo and His Boss video. If Sidney Crosby is "the face of Canada" like Jeff Kuehn says, then it got washed Monday night: http://tinyurl.com/ygjb8lf
If one team only kicks a field goal after the first possession, the other team will now get the ball. They are considering, and should also implement, this rule change for the regular season.
That's because there have been two dramatic changes in football, both involving the kicking game.
One is that field goal kickers are much more accurate - and from longer range - than they were decades ago. Another is the kickoff rule. The ball is kicked off from the 30-yard line now, allowing for returns, and better field position for the offensive team.
The first two decades of the overtime rule in the NFL, it was a 50-50 proposition on which team would win.
Now it's slanted dramatically to the team winning the flip. It will also add interest in overtime. Teams will play for touchdowns now, rather than field goals. And by the way, I like the college rule better. Now that would be exciting in the NFL. At least this is a step in the right direction.
Random Thoughts
- The schedule is finally on the Red Wings' side, and they must take advantage of it. Six of their last 10 games are home. Six of those games are against teams already essentially out of the playoff hunt - five of those at home. They have home games remaining against St. Louis, Minnesota, Columbus twice and Edmonton. One of their remaining road games is at Columbus. The Red Wings play the struggling Blue Jackets three of their final 10 games overall.
If the Red Wings don't make the playoffs, the schedule certainly can't be used as an excuse at this point. But I think they will get in - and maybe secure as high as a No.6 seed.
- Because Gerald Laird is obviously going to do the bulk of catching this season, the Tigers would be wise to send Alex Avila to Toledo to begin the season. The bigger issue isn't who will start the season as the Tigers' regular catcher, but who will end it. If I were a betting man, I'd say that will be Avila. He has a potential to be a solid receiver - and an excellent, power-hitting left-handed stroke.
My thoughts on Jimmy Howard's facewash of Sidney Crosby in Caputo and His Boss video. If Sidney Crosby is "the face of Canada" like Jeff Kuehn says, then it got washed Monday night: http://tinyurl.com/ygjb8lf
Labels: NFL Detroit Red Wings Detroit Tigers Gerald Laird Alex Avila
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:40 AM
6 Comments:
Pat, I agree that it would be best for Avila to start in Toledo but I look as the Tigers are in a pennant race from game one. I think his bat to PH late in the ballgame might be too tempting for the Tigers to pass up. He could also start against tough right hand pitchers in the league. Your right again, this is Laird job to lose. It would be super if Laird could keep hitting at a 294 clip.
I don't agree about the college overtime in the pro's - it seems gimmicky to me. It's a different game than what's played for 60 minutes. I understand that you want to limit college athletes playing time though.
Hockey is smart to keep the playoff overtimes traditional.
Allan
I can't speak for this spring - but last season I had a hard time watching Avilla catch - only in that he doesn't put his glove up as a target for the pitcher until right before the wind up.
I would imagine that it would be hard for a pitcher to focus on the target that isn't there.
As well - he didn't frame it well for the ump as a strike once he's caught it.
Love his bat. Havent seen him catch this year - so I'm assuming his catching style hasn't changed - but I am hoping it would have to before he can stay up in the bigs.
Just my nickels worth.
Barry,
I don't see Laird hitting .294 for an entire season - unless he is sharing the catching duties. But he will be fresh early in the season.
Caputo
Allan,
I just see all the excitement and attention generated by the college overtime and can only imagine how much more intense it would be in the NFL.
Caputo
Freg Brill,
There is no question Laird is better defensively. But Avila isn't bad defensively - and has room to grow. Just another reason he should begin the year in Triple-A.
Caputo
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